The purpose of one's life can be measured by the communities which they build, the love they create within that community and the manner they treat the most vulnerable within that community. At CrossFit Hillsboro, there are two great, jolly and happy souls who are really pillars of love in a community they continually strive to enrich.
Though Shelly and I feel a perpetual need to build our community through our time, talents or treasure, we often feel that we simply do not take enough action to achieve the community we envision. These two very special people are some of the few individuals we know who live their lives out loud, on purpose and with action. We are very grateful to have them as our guests and happy to call them our friends.
Cindy and Shawn are familiar faces to many in the studio, and many more in our little town of Hillsboro. Cindy volunteers in homeless shelters in Washington County and also helps monitor families that have "graduated" out of the homeless shelter and are now doing their best to live on their own. Shawn opens her home to foster children to give them a place to call their own. Neither of these are easy tasks and we must remember our duty of "co-dependency" toward each other and invite generosity into our hearts not just this holiday season, but during all seasons.
Cindy told us of a family who literally needs everything. She told us of a mother who asked for a can opener. For one family, the only light they have in their living room comes from a strand of Christmas lights framing the window. They literally need EVERYTHING.
Our other client, Shawn, has bravely and lovingly accepted three foster children, ages 1.5, 2.5 and 5 into her home. There must be a special seat at The Father's table for her and her husband. They too are in tremendous need of everything it takes to raise three little ones.
No one is particular. Each family is all-accepting. Everything is appreciated. Everything is welcomed. Anything you have that you would like to donate, please bring into the studio and we will section off an area for each family. Purge your garage, your miscellaneous drawer in your kitchen and office. Clean out the trunk of your car or that bottom shelf in your garage. Clothes and bedding are always welcomed this winter season, as are hygiene products and forms of family entertainment to help nurture and strengthen family ties. Everything from towels to dressers are needed. No donation is too big or too small. We will be sure that your gifts make their way to these homes.
Please, we know life is busy and hectic at times, but we beg you, help both or one of these families in need in anyway you can, and remember, prayers and intention are perhaps the greatest gifts you can give.
We're all beggars. We all thirst. We all hunger.
Isaiah 45:8
Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice also spring up!
Please contact us if you need any more information about the specific needs of these families.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and compassion.
Sincerely,
Chuck and Shelly Gonzales
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